S/PV.6839 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Ambassador Néstor Osorio, Permanent Representative of Colombia, in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I now give the floor to Ambassador Osorio.

I have the honour to present the 90-day report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), in accordance with paragraph 18 (h) of that resolution. The report covers the period from 12 June to 12 September 2012, during which time the Committee held no meetings but conducted its work using the silent procedure envisioned in paragraph 15 of the guidelines for the conduct of its work. I would fi rst like to congratulate the Panel of Experts, which was formally reappointed by the Secretary- General on 5 July following the adoption of resolution 2049 (2012) on 7 June, by which the Security Council decided to extend the Panel’s mandate until 9 June 2013. In accordance with paragraph 3 of resolution 2049 (2012), the Panel submitted its programme of work to the Committee on 9 July. The programme covers the Panel’s work over the period 2012-2013, including plans for consultations with Member States, inspections of reported incidents, outreach and reporting to the Committee. As mentioned in my previous report to the Council (see S/PV.6786), the Committee, with the participation of the Panel of Experts and the Secretariat, held an open briefing on 9 July, in which the mandates and the work of the Committee and the Panel were presented. Discussions focused in particular on activities relating to consultations, outreach and inspections, as well as on ways to strengthen collaboration with Member States at the national and regional levels. The Committee has received a number of communications relating to the implementation of the relevant Security Council measures, as well as to requests for exemptions pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). The Committee granted exemptions to two separate requests by a Member State by which it authorized access to certain economic resources to the benefit of the Atomic Energy Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the purchase of chemicals and other items exclusively intended for the use of development of radiopharmaceutical products for medical or humanitarian purposes, in accordance with relevant provisions of resolution 1737 (2006). The Committee also authorized an exemption from the travel ban on a designated Iranian national who had been invited to attend the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna from 15 to 23 September 2012. On 26 June, the Committee received a communication from a Member State in response to its request for additional information in connection with the previously reported inspection and seizure of a shipping container of arms on board the vessel M.S. Finland. On 23 August, the Committee received another communication from a Member State on the arrest on 15 August of four individuals allegedly involved in illegal trafficking of special valves for use in a heavy water reactor in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In that regard, the Committee welcomed the invitation from the Member State for the Panel to visit the concerned State to discuss the case, including issues related to the arrest, with the relevant authorities. With regard to the earlier reported incident related to the inspection and seizure, on 15 March 2011, of three shipping containers of arms and arms-related materiel on board the M/V Victoria, the Committee is continuing its efforts, following the inspection reports of the Panel on the contents of the three containers, to examine the case with the assistance of the Panel and is seeking full cooperation from Member States in gathering information related to the incident. One State sought clarifications from the Committee on whether the supply of certain specified items would contribute to the development of technologies in support of proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In response to that request, the Committee granted authorization for the export of the specified items. The Committee also answered a written query from a Member State seeking additional information about a company registered in the Islamic Republic of Iran that was one of the prospective bidders in a construction project to build a hydropower plant on its territory. The Committee was able to confirm that, at that juncture, it did not foresee any problems for the Member State to proceed with its evaluation of the shortlisted bidders for the construction project. In following up on a written query from another Member State concerning the export of machinery equipment to an Iranian company, the Committee is still awaiting additional information from the Member State in order to provide an appropriate response. The Committee is still considering a general query from an international organization seeking its advice and clarification on whether a proposed technical assistance programme that the organization intends to carry out within the Islamic Republic of Iran could violate applicable sanctions. During the reporting period, the Committee received three communications from a Member State informing it of the deliveries of materials for the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Regarding the Panel’s activities, the Committee welcomed the invitation by the United Arab Emirates for the Panel to assist the relevant authorities in their inquiry relevant to the intercepted items that were reported to the Committee on 21 May. I am happy to note that, during the reporting period, the Committee received a communication from Uruguay transmitting its report on the implementation of resolution 1929 (2010).

I thank Ambassador Osorio for his briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make a statements.

We thank Ambassador Osorio for his quarterly report and commend his efforts in steering the work of the Committee. We take note of the recent report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the implementation in Iran of safeguards in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as well as the resolution adopted by the Board of Governors. The increasingly heated rhetoric and potential confrontation over Iran’s nuclear programme threatens to further destabilize the immediate region and beyond. In our view, dialogue and diplomacy are the only means to resolve outstanding issues. As a party to the NPT, Iran is required to carry out the obligations that the Treaty entails. Similarly, Iran, as a member of the IAEA, is required to cooperate fully with the Agency within the framework of its safeguards agreement. While Iran should fulfil its legal obligations under the NPT and the IAEA Statute, its rights under those instruments should also be duly respected. We urge Iran to extend full cooperation to the IAEA for resolution of all outstanding issues. We believe that a peaceful resolution of the crisis is possible on the basis of reciprocal confidence-building measures relating to Iran’s nuclear programme as well as measures to ensure the exercise of its right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We urge the five plus one group and Iran to stay engaged in a meaningful manner, build on the talks that they have held this year and deepen the diplomatic process for a negotiated and peaceful solution of the Iranian nuclear issue. We continue to share the view that the Panel of Experts needs to undertake its work and activities strictly in accordance with its mandate, as outlined in the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and under the direction of the Committee. While it is essential that Iran fulfil its international obligations, the work of the Committee, and particularly that of the Panel of Experts, must be tailored to the larger but mutually reinforcing goal of effective implementation of the sanctions and a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. We reiterate our view that Security Council sanctions should not be pursued as an end in themselves. A negotiated solution to the unresolved issues can only be advanced if the Council, the Committee and the Panel of Experts remain mindful of the need to maintain a balance between sanctions and negotiations. Given the delicate and complex regional environment, Pakistan, as a neighbouring country of Iran, does not wish any further escalation of tensions in an already volatile region. We therefore reaffirm the need for dialogue and diplomacy. Coming back to the subject of the Panel, we continue to believe that its composition needs to be made more diverse and representative, with, in particular, more of its members being drawn from developing countries. The requirements of expertise must be balanced against the well-established principle of broader geographic representation. In so doing, the Council and the Committee will help promote greater awareness and effective implementation of the sanctions regime among the wider United Nations Membership. Sir Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom): I would like to thank Ambassador Osorio and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) for their continued work in support of the Security Council’s resolutions on Iran. In particular, I would like to thank Ambassador Osorio for the open meeting he convened on 9 July. That is exactly the kind of outreach activity that the Committee should engage in. I note that, while the Committee has not met during this reporting period, there has been a high volume of correspondence for the Committee to consider. It is important work, but we do hope that the Committee will meet early in the next reporting period to consider how it might take forward the recommendations in the Panel of Expert’s last report, including the suggested designations. The United Kingdom, along with the international community at large, remains deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear programme. It is clear from the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of 30 August that the programme continues to develop in a direction that offers no assurance of Iran’s peaceful intentions. We therefore welcome the IAEA Board of Governor’s resolution adopted on 13 September. The overwhelming support for the resolution demonstrates the depth of international concern over Iran’s nuclear activity. It sends a clear message to Iran that it must urgently address the international community’s serious concerns. Unfortunately, Iran’s behaviour does the opposite. It is worth highlighting the following from the IAEA report. Iran continues to enrich uranium in violation of the resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors and resolutions of the Security Council. There has been a significant expansion of enrichment capacity at the Fordow facility over recent months. Iranian authorities have engaged in a clean-up of their Parchin facility, which, the Agency reports, will significantly hamper the Agency’s verification efforts. None of those are actions of a Government that takes its international obligations seriously or that intends to cooperate with the IAEA. What they highlight is the worrying lack of progress in dialogue between the IAEA and Iran on addressing concerns about the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear programme. We are clear that the responsibility for that lack of progress lies firmly at Iran’s door. At every step, Iran has been uncooperative and obstructive. Despite such obstruction, the United Kingdom remains fully committed to finding a peaceful and negotiated solution to the issue. The E3+3 Governments have met with Iran at the political and expert levels on four occasions since April. Discussions have been lengthy, tough and intensive, but conducted in an open and businesslike manner. The E3+3 have presented a credible package to Iran, focusing, as a first phase, on the international community’s key concerns regarding the 20 per cent enrichment and the activities at the Fordow site. Those are reasonable steps to request of Iran if it is serious about restoring confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. Significant differences between the two positions remain, but the E3+3 continue to pursue negotiations with Iran in good faith. Iran must negotiate seriously and take urgent and concrete steps to allay the fears of the international community. Until it does so, it should be in no doubt that the international community will continue to apply further pressure. If they do the right thing, Iran’s leaders can bring all sanctions to an end and, in doing so, help Iran realize the benefits of a civil nuclear programme. They have a clear choice: to address international concerns through negotiation and action or to face further economic hardship and isolation. We also remain deeply concerned about Iran’s stated support for the Al-Assad regime in Syria and the evidence uncovered by the Panel of Experts to the Committee in its June report on the supply of weaponry (see S/2012/395, annex). It is unacceptable and must stop. It is in stark contrast to the will of the Syrian people and a reminder of Iran’s hypocrisy in claiming to support freedom in the Arab world. We are also alarmed by Iran’s links to terrorism and its apparent increasing willingness to support terrorism around the world. We are committed to the toughest possible international response to Iran’s support for terrorism and its refusal to operate within the bounds of international law. The Iranian regime is at a crossroads. It can continue to ignore the international community’s concerns over its nuclear programme or it can negotiate a settlement that will help to realize the benefits of a civil nuclear programme. It can support the oppressive regime in Syria in suppressing freedom or it can play a constructive role in its region. It can be an exporter of terrorism or a responsible member of the international community. However, it must make such choices soon.

I would like to thank Ambassador Osorio for his briefing today. We greatly value his efforts and his effective advocacy for the full implementation of United Nations sanctions on Iran. Every three months, the Council takes note of the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) showing Iran’s continued defiance. Every three months, we witness Iran’s latest leaps forward in its prohibited nuclear activities. The Council cannot afford to be complacent. We must recognize that we face a situation that continues to worsen. Just a few weeks ago, the IAEA Director General provided his latest assessment of Iran’s nuclear progress (see S/2012/677, annex). We learned that Iran is “significantly” hampering IAEA inspections of the Parchin facility and probably engaging in efforts to sanitize the site. We learned that, at the Fordow fuel-enrichment plant, which is a bunker facility built by Iran in secret and protected by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran has doubled the number of installed Iranian enrichment centrifuges. And we learned that Iran continues to enrich uranium to nearly 20 per cent, which is a step closer to bomb- grade enrichment. Needless to say, such activities are all contrary to multiple resolutions of the Security Council and the IAEA. Iran knows the steps that it must take to be in full compliance with its international obligations. Iran knows the actions required to demonstrate full cooperation with the IAEA. Yet Iran’s approach still remains to deny, deceive and distract. The Security Council must redouble its efforts to ensure that the sanctions that we impose are fully and robustly implemented. We have two effective tools to carry out that task: the Iran sanctions committee and the Iran United Nations Panel of Experts. Those bodies must remain active and continuously seek ways to improve the implementation of sanctions. The June 2012 final report of the Panel of Experts (S/2012/395, annex) provides an excellent blueprint for Committee action on the weeks and months ahead. We encourage the Committee to meet regularly until it has acted upon all the recommendations contained in the final report. The Committee should issue regular guidance and public notices advising States on how best to implement the sanctions. It should impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for violating existing sanctions. The Committee should also do more to help international organizations ensure that their activities and programmes in Iran are fully compliant with United Nations sanctions. We particularly urge the Committee and the Panel to focus on Iran’s long-standing and well-documented smuggling of weapons to extremist groups worldwide. United Nations sanctions prevent Iran from exporting all arms and related materiel to any country. Iran’s arms exports to the murderous Al-Assad regime in Syria are of particular concern. As the Panel of Experts has concluded, Syria is now “a central party to illicit Iranian arms transfers” (S/2012/395, para. 120) . States in the region must therefore work together and redouble their efforts to deny, inspect and seize illicit Iranian shipments, including transfers via air corridors, in line with the cargo inspection provisions of resolution 1929 (2010). We also urge the Committee to renew its focus on Iran’s prohibited ballistic missile programmes. In July, officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps tested ballistic missiles capable of travelling 1,300 kilometres. Although such tests are in clear violation of paragraph 9 of resolution 1929 (2010), the Council and the Committee have not yet taken effective action to respond to that blatant non-compliance. The United States seeks to resolve the Iran nuclear issue through a comprehensive approach. We remain committed to trying to find a negotiated solution with Iran that restores international confidence in its nuclear activities and bolsters regional stability. Working with our Permanent Five plus one (P5+1) partners, we have repeatedly laid out clear proposals for addressing the Iranian nuclear issue step by step. As the Council knows, the P5+1 focused initially on those elements of the Iranian nuclear programme that are of most immediate concern: Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium to 20 per cent; its stockpiling of 20 per cent enriched uranium beyond the amount necessary for any civilian use; and the continued activity at the underground Fordow nuclear site. In return for satisfactory Iranian action in those areas, the P5+1 have made a serious offer of reciprocal steps that begin to address Iran’s concerns as well. However, Iran has not responded constructively to the offer, nor engaged the P5+1 on meaningful commensurate steps. We believe that there is still time and space for diplomacy. However, the onus is on Iran to respond constructively. The international community should continue to underscore that Iran must take meaningful steps or face increasing pressure. Yet we cannot and will not pursue that path indefinitely. We will not engage in an endless process of negotiations that fail to produce any results. We must therefore remain clear and united in seeking the resolution of the international community’s concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. Time is wasting.

At the outset, I would like to thank Ambassador Néstor Osorio for presenting the 90-day report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We commend his stewardship of the Committee and also the professionalism with which the Committee has been implementing its mandate. I would also like to congratulate the members of the Panel of Experts on their reappointment following the adoption of resolution 2049 (2012), by which the Security Council extended the mandate of the Panel until 9 June 2013.We thank the Panel for presenting its programme of work for 2012-2013. We expect that the Panel will continue to implement the programme of work with due diligence, independence and objectivity. Impartiality, transparency and fact-based assessments without political bias must guide its work. Information concerning the Panel’s activities should be regularly provided to the Committee. The Panel should continue to work under the direction of the 1737 Committee and assist the Committee in the implementation of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. India has consistently supported the right of all nations to the peaceful use nuclear energy, in accordance with their respective international obligations. India supported the resolution, adopted by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on 13 September, which decided that Iranian cooperation with IAEA requests aimed at resolving all outstanding issues is essential and urgent in order to restore international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. Diplomatic efforts made by the international community to resolve Iran’s nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiations are noteworthy and should be pursued vigorously to bring them to a successful conclusion. India supports the full implementation of relevant resolutions of the Security Council concerning the Iranian nuclear issue. While those resolutions are being implemented, it is necessary that all efforts should be made to ensure that legitimate trade and economic activities do not suffer. Before I conclude, Mr. President, I would like to ensure Ambassador Osorio of my delegation’s continued cooperation to facilitate the work of the 1737 Committee.

South Africa thanks the Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), Ambassador Néstor Osorio of Colombia, for his 90-day report. We pledge our full support for the work of the Committee. We congratulate the Panel of Experts on the extension of its mandate and thank it for the submission of its programme of work to the Committee. We reiterate that it is imperative for Iran to comply with relevant decisions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and with its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions. While attaching importance to the work of the 1737 Committee, we are also conscious that sanctions cannot be an end in themselves, but rather should be aimed at encouraging progress towards a peaceful resolution of the concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities. The Security Council must be cognizant that the 1737 Committee operates within the larger international framework of the nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation regime. A sustainable solution will be one that restores international confidence in the peaceful nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear programme, while respecting Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy consistent with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. South Africa attaches great importance to the central role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in trying to resolve the outstanding issues regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. We maintain that the IAEA remains the sole competent technical authority to verify the nature of the nuclear programme of Iran. We therefore welcome the high-level discussions held in June and August this year between the Agency and Iran with a view to finalizing the structured approach. Even though differences remain, we are encouraged that both the Agency and Iran remain committed to further engagement. We remain optimistic that those discussions could lead to an agreement that will allow the Agency to undertake the necessary activities in order to clarify any outstanding matters. With regard to Iran’s implementation of its Safeguards Agreement, it is important that the Director General of the IAEA has been able to draw the conclusion that all the declared nuclear material in Iran is being used for peaceful activities. We note, however, that the Director General is unable to provide credible assurances about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities thereon. South Africa therefore encourages Iran to continue its cooperation with the Agency because it is the clarification of those outstanding issues that will enable the international community to have full confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. We note that Iran has previously cooperated with the Agency to resolve other differences, and we believe that a renewed dedication on the participation of Iran in that regard is important. South Africa calls upon all parties concerned to avoid any antagonistic actions that could derail the peaceful process towards finding a sustainable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. Continued dialogue is the only option. We therefore strongly support all processes to that end. In conclusion, South Africa looks forward to the active participation in the 1737 Committee with the objective of contributing towards a sustainable solution.

I thank Ambassador Osorio, Permanent Representative of Colombia, for his briefing, and I appreciate his efforts to advance the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). China also welcomes the extension of the mandate of the Committee’s Panel of Experts pursuant to resolution 2049 (2012) and hopes that the Panel will strictly adhere to the principles and mandates of the Council’s resolutions and continue to work under the leadership of the Committee on the basis of the principles of neutrality, objectivity and independence. Iran’s nuclear issue rests on the authority of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and is critical to peace and stability in the Middle East. China has consistently believed that the relevant Council resolutions should be implemented fully, but sanctions are not the fundamental objective of those resolutions. We are not in favour of excessive pressure on or new sanctions against Iran. We are firmly against the use or threat of force. China consistently supports the international community in seeking a peaceful resolution to the nuclear issue of Iran through dialogue and cooperation. Over the past few months, the five plus one group (P5+1) have held three rounds of dialogue and one expert meeting with Iran. The parties concerned have also maintained close contact and communication at various levels and in different forms. All those efforts have played an essential role in continuing to move forward the pragmatic negotiations and gradually bringing the dialogue and cooperation back on track. China believes that the parties should continue to work on the basis of the principle of progressive development and mutual respect, take a pragmatic approach in firmly advancing dialogue, and try by all means possible to seek common ground and gradually find a solution to the nuclear issue of Iran. That is not only in the common interests of the parties but is also the broadly shared expectation of the international community. A few days ago the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors adopted a resolution on the nuclear issue of Iran, which supports the proposal of the P5+1 for a comprehensive and lasting negotiated solution based on dialogue. That is a positive step towards promoting dialogue and cooperation between the IAEA and Iran and maintaining and advancing that dialogue. Against the current backdrop, it is of the utmost importance for the parties to stay in touch and safeguard the hard-won momentum in the dialogue. China is ready to join the international community in continuing to expand diplomatic efforts and committing to dialogue and cooperation in order to play a constructive role in seeking a comprehensive and appropriate solution to the nuclear issue of Iran.

We thank the Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), Mr. Néstor Osorio, for his briefing on the work of the Committee. We are pleased to note that the Committee has acted in a balanced and objective manner, not overstepping its mandate. Such work must continue in the future. We are also grateful to the Committee’s Panel of Experts for their assistance. It is important for the Panel to continue to work in an impartial and independent manner, using only reliable sources and verified information. The Russian Federation fully upholds all Security Council resolutions with respect to Iran. Moreover, we are convinced that the effectiveness of the sanctions regime and the unified and collective nature of international efforts in dealing with the situation concerning Iran’s nuclear programme as a whole are undermined by additional unilateral restrictions. In a number of cases, these restrictions are extraterritorial in nature, which is categorically unacceptable from an international legal point of view. We are pleased with the contents of the resolution on the situation concerning Iran’s nuclear programme adopted a week ago in Vienna during the meeting of the Board of Directors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The resolution was supported by the overwhelming majority of the 35 members of the Board. Such a result bears witness to the document’s quality and its considered and balanced nature. We are pleased that our Western partners, including the five plus one group, listened to the approach that was put forward jointly by the Russian and Chinese delegations, which, as a whole, was reflected in the text of the Board of Directors’ resolution. The language in the resolution is aimed at stepping up dialogue between Iran and the IAEA and establishing a consistent negotiations process between the five plus one group and Iran. Those measures will foster a political and diplomatic settlement to the situation regarding Iran’s nuclear programme based on the principles of consistency and reciprocity and in line with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The resolution contains no threats or judgements by any party. We hope that such readiness for dialogue will guide all parties in future work in this area.

I join those who have spoken before me in thanking the Permanent Representative of Colombia, Ambassador Néstor Osorio, for his briefing. We would also reiterate our gratitude for his leadership in heading up the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and for the work accomplished by the Committee during the period covered by his briefing. The Committee continues to diligently accomplish the tasks that have been mandated to it with transparency, impartiality and objectivity and without violating its mandate. We believe that this should continue in the future. We recognize the importance of the assistance and cooperation that the Committee provides to Member States, and it is essential that it continue to provide support. We commend the Committee for its work. Together with the support of the Panel of Experts, it has continued to respond to national reports, requests and complaints regarding alleged violations on the part of Member States, while intensifying its awareness- raising activities in order to prevent future sanctions violations. We underscore the importance of training activities and of dissemination and awareness-raising activities, which are essential for the effective implementation of the sanctions adopted by the Security Council. In that regard, we are grateful for the support of the Panel of Experts, which, as indicated in the report, briefly visited Guatemala at the beginning of this month in order to discuss the measures adopted by our country for the implementation of resolution 1737 (2006) and to inform us of the work being carried out by the Committee. During their visit, they held fruitful meetings with the competent authorities and visited relevant institutions in order to verify the implementation of security controls. Moreover, we would like to emphasize the importance of disseminating information on the nature of the Committee’s sanctions to the other entities of the United Nations system, so that they are all kept informed and can thus ensure that all of their technical assistance programmes are in keeping with the relevant resolutions. As regards the current political situation, we are concerned by recent events, by the threatening statements, by the confrontation and by the lack of dialogue. We therefore appeal for calm and for the rapid restoration of diplomatic dialogue in order to find a negotiated and sustainable solution to the Iranian nuclear question. We recognize that the lack of transparency in the nuclear development programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the source of the problem. At the same time, we recognize the right of that country to develop its nuclear capacity for peaceful purposes. Guatemala calls upon Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency and to fulfil its obligations to ensure that all pending matters can be clarified so that confidence regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme can be restored. A sustainable solution would restore international confidence regarding the peaceful nature of the Iran nuclear programme while respecting Iran’s right to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which Iran has acceded to. In this regard, the recent meeting held in Istanbul between Iran and the European Union is a positive step. Finally, we reiterate our support for the work of the Committee and its Panel of Experts, and we stand ready to continue to participate creatively and constructively in its future deliberations.

I would like to thank Ambassador Osorio for his quarterly report on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and his awareness-raising activities in Member States, particularly the open meeting of the Committee held on 9 July. That allowed for many delegations to learn about their obligations under the Security Council resolutions on the topic. This quarterly report shows once again that Iran continues to violate its international obligations. It recalls that Iran continues to attempt to bypass the sanctions regime established by Council resolutions and seeks to acquire sensitive materials and to export weapons. I would highlight Iran’s arms embargo violations that benefit the Syrian regime, brought to light by the recent report of the Panel of Experts. As the Damascus regime has been massacring its own people for over a year now, it is increasingly urgent to strictly apply sanctions in order to stop Iran from providing the Al-Assad regime with weapons that enable it to go about its sinister task. I would also like to note my country’s concern regarding the Iranian missile programme, in particular Iran’s revelation that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards tested Shahab-3 missiles in July 2012. That was a violation of resolution 1929 (2010) and the Committee must assume up its responsibilities. Finally, the Committee must also ensure the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Panel of Experts. That means pursuing designations and updating the lists of property, people and individuals subject to sanctions, as recommended by the report of the Panel of Experts, in order to counter Iran’s attempts at dissimulation and to bypass sanctions. We must therefore designate without delay the entities YasAir Cargo Airlines and SAD Import-Export Company that are accused of transferring weapons and military equipment to Iran, as I noted earlier. The Council is aware of the 30 August report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The report once again highlights Islamic Republic of Iran’s refusal to act in compliance with its obligations and international commitments under Security Council resolutions and the Board of Governors of the IAEA. The report of the Director General underscores Iran’s failure to cooperate with the IAEA on pending items related to a possible military dimension of Iran’s nuclear programme, which explains why the discussions between the Agency and Iran have led to no concrete results. The report also underscores the concealment and demolition activities conducted by Iran at the Parchin military site, where the Agency suspects Iran of having conducted concept testing for a nuclear device. This significantly undermines the Agency’s ability to verify the nature of activities conducted on that site. The report also adds that there is ongoing development of enrichment activities, in particular in the Fordow site, where the uranium enrichment capacity has been doubled. Uranium stocks enriched to 3.5 per cent and 20 per cent continue to grow without the possibility of having a civil explanation for these activities. In the face of repeated violations of Security Council and IAEA resolutions, the Agency adopted by an overwhelming majority a new resolution firmly condemning Iran’s attitude, calls upon it to uphold its international obligations without delay and notes that its cooperation is necessary and urgent to restoring the international community’s trust in the exclusively peaceful use of the Iranian nuclear programme. That trust is lacking today. France welcomes that resolution. It is absolutely crucial for Iran to swiftly and unreservedly cooperate with the IAEA so as to shed full light on all pending matters and to cease those activities that undermine the Agency’s work. Iran must suspend all of its sensitive activities conducted in violation of its international obligations. The adoption of the resolution by an overwhelming majority once again demonstrates the unity and determination of the international community on the Iranian nuclear issue. The current stand-off pits Iran against the international community as a whole and not just against some of its members. We remain open to dialogue. Indeed, for some 10 years now we have spent hundreds of hours in discussions with Iran. We would nevertheless note that these discussions have been in vain. The many meetings that have taken place in Istanbul, Baghdad and Moscow between the E3+3 and Iran bear witness to that. The E3+3 have offered balanced proposals to Iran, but that country has not demonstrated a readiness to negotiate and has instead accelerated its sensitive and prohibited activities. This has been the case for almost 10 years now. We are trying to negotiate, but Iran unflinchingly continues its nuclear activities. Thus, as long as Iran will not uphold its obligations, we must shoulder our responsibilities and increase pressure on that country to convince it that it dialogue, rather than isolation and provocation, is in its best interests. As a consequence, together with those countries willing to do so, we shall strengthen sanctions against Iran so long as it continues to refuse to uphold its obligations. We are only asking Iran for one thing — that is, to negotiate. Iran is not doing so.

I thank Ambassador Néstor Osorio for the 90-day report on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I reiterate my delegation’s full support for the challenging work that is being accomplished under his able leadership. I also congratulate the Panel of Experts on its reappointment by the Secretary-General and thank the experts for their valuable assistance. We commend the work of the Committee, which has contributed decisively in slowing down Iran’s capability to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. We believe that the sanctions regime plays a very important role in fostering the resumption of serious and credible talks, as well as a meaningful level of cooperation between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran in order to clarify outstanding issues and to draw a conclusion on the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme. It is clear, however, that these efforts are still insufficient. Despite the intensified dialogue between the Agency and Iran since January 2012, no concrete results have been achieved so far. Iran has yet to show a willingness to fully comply with the resolutions of the Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors by suspending all enrichment-related and repossessing activities and heavy water related projects, and by granting unrestricted access to the IAEA in all its nuclear sites. It is a matter of special concern that activities at the Parchin site, as referred to in the most recent report of the IAEA Director General, are not under effective verification and monitoring by the Agency. Iran is not providing the necessary cooperation to enable the Agency to provide credible assurance about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities, and therefore to conclude that all nuclear material in Iran is for peaceful purposes. Last month during in a visit to Tehran, Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon emphasized the need for engagement and diplomacy in resolving the country’s nuclear issue. He called on Iran to cooperate with the IAEA to rebuild international confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. Portugal seconds the Secretary-General’s appeal and reiterates its long-standing commitment to a diplomatic solution of the Iranian nuclear issue in accordance with the dual- track strategy, bearing in mind that the Agency must address fully the international community’s concerns about the nature of the nuclear programme in Iran.

Allow me first to thank Ambassador Osorio, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), for his 90-day report and to express our appreciation of his efforts. I would also like to thank the Panel of Experts established under resolution 1929 (2010) for the presentation of it programme of work. We encourage the Panel to continue, under the aegis of the Committee, its participation in the various conferences and meetings that are relevant to the mandate of the Committee, and in particular its dialogue with Member States through the visits that have been organized to countries in its purview. The Committee has continued its inspection of the cases brought to its attention, and we hope that it will continue to benefit from the cooperation of Member States and to draw on the professionalism and impartiality of the Panel of Experts. In the same spirit, my delegation welcomes the holding of an informational meeting for all delegations. Such initiatives help contribute to enhancing the transparency of the Council’s work and its subsidiary organs. The most recent report submitted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), dated 30 August, has shown that the pending matters regarding the Iranian nuclear programme have yet to be resolved. The report also notes the intensification of dialogue between Iran and the IAEA since January 2012. We hope that the Agency will be enjoy all the cooperation necessary to clarifying all pending matters. We welcome the resumption of negotiations between the five plus one group and Iran in order to move towards a negotiated and diplomatic solution to this question. We remain convinced that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to find a solution to this question. The successful outcome of such a dialogue will require clear, sustained commitment in good faith, as well as the absence of any actions that could further complicate the situation. We also believe that the resolution of this question will require respect for the Security Council’s resolutions and a reponse to the requests of the IAEA in the context of Iran’s compliance with its international obligations. We remain convinced that the IAEA, the only institution with jurisdiction in this sphere, must receive the necessary cooperation, including with respect to the required information and access. We reiterate that the non-proliferation regime should not be weakened and that all States must scrupulously abide by their obligations with respect to safeguards. The goal of nuclear disarmament, which my country holds dear, will remain elusive if the commitments freely entered into under the Treaty for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons are not upheld. At the same time, we wish to underscore that this regime is based on a clear balance between the rights and obligations of States, a balance that every State must uphold.

At the outset, I would like to thank Ambassador Nestor Osorio for his work as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and for his comprehensive briefing on the activities of the Committee. We note the reappointment of the Panel of Experts created pursuant to paragraph 29 of resolution 1929 (2010) and the extension of its mandate until 9 June 2013. It is essential that the Panel of Experts continue its outreach activities, which play an important role in increasing the number of national implementation reports from Member States. We note the efforts made by the Committee to enhance implementation of the sanctions measures. We also take note of the submission of the programme of work, which covers the Panel’s approach to its work for the period 2012-2013, and we stand ready to engage in discussions in that regard. In accordance with its international obligations, Azerbaijan has taken all necessary measures to prevent the use of its territory as a transit route for the illicit trafficking of items and materials related to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. It is obvious that the issues concerning our immediate neighbour, Iran, are of particular importance for my country. It is essential to continue dialogue and cooperation on the issues for which progress is urgent for regional stability. We support the right of any country to develop its nuclear industry for peaceful purposes in full accordance with the relevant international obligations. It is therefore important that all necessary steps be taken by the Government of Iran to build international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. We encourage further efforts, through dialogue and diplomacy, aimed at resolving the issues of concern peacefully and in a constructive manner.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Germany. First, let me thank Ambassador Nestor Osorio for his briefing. We are grateful for his able leadership, which has contributed so much to ensure that the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) remains focused on implementing its important mandate. More than two years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 1929 (2010), in response to Iran’s continued non-compliance with its international obligations. To this date, Iran has not engaged seriously, and without preconditions, in talks aimed at restoring confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. The latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of 30 August (GOV/2012/37) is alarming. It shows a massive increase in the 20 per cent enrichment capacity. Moreover, Iran’s continued refusal to cooperate with the IAEA increases concerns about a possible military dimension of Iran’s nuclear programme. In a first reaction to the IAEA report, the European Union’s three plus three group co-sponsored a resolution urging Iran once more to comply fully and without delay with all its obligations. Likewise, we remain deeply worried about Iran’s renewed ballistic missile launches of early July 2012, using missile technology that is in clear violation of paragraph 9 of resolution 1929 (2010). We reiterate our deep concern over the continued weapons exports from Iran to other countries, especially to Syria. Those concerns are aggravated by unsettling recent reports indicating that Iran is shipping arms to Syria under a humanitarian pretext. In the same context, Ambassador Osorio’s 90-day report underscores the pressing relevance of that issue. Therefore, the consistent implementation of sanctions by all Member States is crucial to maintaining the pressure on Iran. We encourage the Committee to take swift action. Based on the recommendations contained in the final report of the Experts, first measures should aim at operationalizing new designations and updating the existing listings of sanctions violators as soon as possible. There is no alternative except to continue to work towards a diplomatic solution. But we cannot hold talks for the sake of talks. If Iran does not engage in serious negotiations, we will have to increase pressure by further strengthening the sanctions regime. It is now high time for Iran to live up to its international obligations. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I shall now give the floor once again to Ambassador Osorio to respond to comments or questions.

I would just like to thank the members of the Council for their support and recognition of the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), the Panel of Experts and the Secretariat, which provides us with its unflagging support. As we said, the purpose of the open briefing at the open meeting on 9 July, which I spoke about earlier, was to promote cooperation among all Member States of the Organization in ensuring compliance with the sanctions regimes of the Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency and their various decisions. That cooperation is fundamental to our ability to preserve order and to address the serious concerns that Council members have expressed here today about the expansion of Iran’s nuclear programme, including uranium enrichment and other related activities. In accordance with its mandate, the Committee will continue to work in as objective and transparent a way as possible to fulfil all provisions set out by the Council.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.